When Sarah first received her son Danny’s autism diagnosis at three years old, it felt like the ground had shifted beneath her feet. The dreams she held of playdates, soccer games, and quiet school evenings were now colored by uncertainty and new challenges.
Every day with Danny was a new adventure. He had an incredible imagination, which often led them on journeys to fantastical worlds where dinosaurs roamed and superheroes saved the day. Yet, in stark contrast to his vivid creativity, there were moments of silence that filled their home when he became overwhelmed. The sound of a vacuum cleaner or the melody of a song would send him retreating to the safety of his room, covering his ears to muffle the noise.
Danny also had a unique way of communicating. While he may not always respond to questions directly, he found joy in echoing lines from his favorite cartoons, expressing himself in ways that made perfect sense to him. His passion for numbers was evident. He could count backward from fifty without missing a beat and loved to discuss the shapes and colors of his treasured collection of building blocks. Lining them up in perfect rows was both a comfort and a ritual, a glimpse into his need for structure in an often-chaotic world.
However, there were also moments of frustration that left Sarah feeling helpless. Simple routines, like getting dressed or brushing teeth, could turn into epic battles that drained them both. At times, the transition from one activity to another felt overwhelming for Danny, leading to heartbreaking meltdowns that left Sarah searching for answers.
Through each hurdle—every late-night therapy session, every tearful tantrum, and unexpected laugh—Sarah discovered a community she never knew existed. She found other moms who shared their stories, offered advice, and celebrated each small victory together. From sharing sensory-friendly snack ideas to brainstorming calming techniques for those overwhelming moments, Sarah felt a renewed sense of strength and support.
As mothers, it’s natural to question behaviors and milestones. Autism is a spectrum that affects how children communicate, interact, and experience the world around them. If you’re suspecting that your child might be on the spectrum, you’re not alone. At Bella Coaching, we understand how overwhelming this journey can be. That’s why we offer the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale, a comprehensive tool designed to help assess your child’s unique profile.
Let’s embrace this journey together, supporting one another and celebrating every small victory! Remember, each child’s path is unique, and understanding their individual needs is the first step toward unlocking their full potential.
Loretta Holmes, M.A. is a special education teacher turned educational therapist at Bella Coaching Services, LLC, dedicated to empowering children with academic challenges and autism and their families. With a passion for creating personalized strategies and support systems, she believes every child has the potential to thrive. To help you on your journey, Loretta is excited to offer a free resource, Bright Horizons: Navigating the Autism Spectrum. Download your copy today and begin exploring new ways to connect with and support your child!.
leave a comment